Creative Settings with the Compact LUMIS Continuous Lights: A Practical Test

The lights of the LUMIS series are designed for a wide variety of creative settings and particularly excel in on-location portrait photography. The true capabilities and versatility of the lights, of course, only become apparent in a practical test.

For this reason, we provided photographer Jannik Wagner with the LUMIS I-Light, the LUMIS Solo 2, and the LUMIS Glow LED light stick for a photoshoot. As an experienced photographer, Wagner knows exactly what to look out for in a rigorous test of different lights conducted under real-world conditions.

For a long time, Jannik Wagner has been using the Lumen Sticks RGB and smaller pocket lights from our Lumen and LUMIS series for his private and professional shots. Due to their portability, they are always in the photographer's backpack as a creative secret weapon.

For the launch of the LUMIS Solo 2, the LUMIS I-Light RGB, and the LUMIS Glow, Jannik Wagner was able to take a closer look at the lights in three different shoots. For the test, the young photographer chose three models and three different locations. Especially in the selection of locations, Jannik Wagner succeeded in bringing his personal touch to the portrait shoot, as he opted for so-called "Lost Places", combining two extremely popular photographic categories where the use of versatile artificial lights makes all the difference.

Setting 1: Science fiction ambience in the command center

Jannik Wagner and model Caro Franzreb realized the first shoot in an old technical room of a retirement home near Neustadt. The large "control unit" they found there inspired the photographer to a creative shoot that evoked a science fiction feeling. However, the dangling cables gave the place a worn-out look, which is what Lost Places are all about. The location and the available metallic surfaces offered a perfect spot for the use of different lights.

To extract even more atmosphere from the background, Jannik Wagner "hidden" the LUMIS I-Light RGB on the top side of the control unit using the integrated magnets in the housing. With an orange light, he illuminated the scene from above, creating an appealing light in the background for the current scene.

In the first resulting image, the photographer also used the LUMIS Glow LED light stick, which the model held herself. Due to the selected color temperature of 6,000 Kelvin, the light created a kind of neon effect on the model's face. In addition, an interesting reflection in the eye was also created.

In the second result, the LUMIS I-Light RGB with its orange light also provided interesting background illumination. However, in contrast to the LUMIS Glow, the photographer used the small LUMIS Solo 2 LED cube here. Since this also has integrated magnets, the cube was quickly attached to one of the metal doors.

On the one hand, the light was hidden from the camera, but the angle and positions could also be varied at any time. Here, the additionally used diffuser on the LUMIS Solo 2 created a pleasantly soft light on the model's face.

Setting 2: Rebellious moments at night in the swimming pool

In the second setting, too, the lights were convincing, not only for their variably adjustable options but also for their integrated magnets. Here again, Jannik Wagner didn't need any additional tripods besides metallic surfaces, so he could creatively adjust the illumination at the next Lost Place in a matter of seconds if necessary.

This time, the photographer and model Saskia Wagner went to an abandoned swimming pool. More precisely, to the changing rooms and lockers. The model's outfit and make-up were intended to create a rebellious look from the outset. The goal was to create a youthful, rebellious scene at night in the swimming pool, together with the location.

To optimally illuminate the scene, both the LUMIS I-Light RGB and the LUMIS Solo 2 were used in this setting. The handy LED stick light served as the main light with a color temperature of 5,200 Kelvin and a brightness of 85%. The LUMIS I-Light RGB was positioned facing away from the camera on one of the open locker doors.

As backlight, the LUMIS Solo 2 was also attached to one of the doors. For the LED cube, Wagner used the highest brightness level and combined it with one of the included blue color foils. This allowed him to easily incorporate the color of the lockers into the lighting as well. In addition, Wagner was able to add volume and contour to the model's silhouette and hair.

Setting 3: Time for a movie scene

In the last shoot, the LUMIS lights also proved their worth, transforming the location into a mystical scene with targeted settings.

Together with model Sharmika Thanabalasingam, Jannik Wagner returned to the abandoned retirement home. Already during the first shoot, the photographer had noticed the room with a broken television. Combined with the LUMIS I-Light RGB, which he had attached inside the television casing using magnets, Wagner created a unique and visually cinematic look. This was intended to invite viewers to linger and leave room for interpretation.

Due to the missing TV screen, the light was cast in an interesting cone onto the floor and the model's face. For the first three shots, Wagner used a striking red tone on the LUMIS I-Light RGB. He combined this with the LUMIS Glow RGB as ambient light in a white-appearing color tone.

The photographer's goal was to give the space around the model and the second television on the wall the necessary structure. In addition, the light also created the shadow on the model that the photographer had desired. He then made final adjustments directly on the camera.

The conclusion after the creative settings

The LUMIS I-Light RGB and the small LED cube LUMIS Solo 2 immediately convinced Jannik Wagner. Both the handling of the lights and the accessories were, in his opinion, excellently chosen. Above all, he particularly liked the integrated magnets, which allowed the lights to be placed effortlessly and extremely quickly on suitable metallic surfaces.

"I would definitely like to see this feature in other LUMIS continuous lights as well," the photographer said with a smile on his face. He also found the possibility that up to three LUMIS I-Lights could be combined using the magnetic system exciting. Unfortunately, he had not yet been able to test with these three sets.

With the LUMIS Glow RGB, Jannik Wagner initially had slight difficulties. Especially with attaching the handy light stick to tripods. "But despite the difficulties, I really liked the compact light due to its light weight. It made transport much easier," said Wagner. He was also irritated by the reversed operation, in contrast to the other two lights. But that wasn't a big problem either, once he got used to it.

Of course, we also take Jannik Wagner's feedback for the further development of our products and are pleased that Jannik Wagner will take the lights with him on upcoming photo tours.

Have you implemented creative settings with our LUMIS LED continuous lights? Then we would be very happy if you tag us on Facebook or Instagram under #rolleicreate.

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